BROOKFIELD Trustees plan to build fire station in Masury

Bad winter weather has held up picking the location for the station. BROOKFIELD -- Township trustees are looking to add a fire station in Masury. The second station would be in the area of state Route 82 and Addison Road, although the current station on Route 7 would remain as the primary facility. Fire Capt. Mike Hagood said the land has not been purchased, although John N. Gruitza Associates Inc., a Sharon architectural firm, has completed plans for the facility. Bad winter weather has prevented finding a suitable location. The building would contain a utility room, kitchen, day room, bunk room, locker room and a two-bay, drive-through garage to house equipment. The station will be able to accommodate four firefighters, although initial plans are to staff it with two. Hagood said the station is being planned since it was recommended after an inspection two years ago by the Insurance Service Office, which rates response capabilities. Will reduce distance The agency recommended the fire station be built to reduce the distance to get to an emergency. With the construction of the station, Hagood explained, homeowners' insurance premiums will at least remain the same rather than increasing. The captain said the Masury station will house a fire engine and an ambulance. The main station will house three engines and two ambulances. Hagood said construction could begin late this year or early 2004.